Geography

Geography is the study of the world – our subject matter is almost without limit, so what defines us as geographers is our approach to study and learning. Geographers see the world differently. We are interested in what makes places unique and what makes them interdependent; we are interested in the issues that threaten people, environments and landscapes and what alternative futures might look like. We seek to make sense of the world around us by looking for patterns and connections, studying processes and relationships, evaluating problems and solutions in a world that can appear messy and confused.

In our curriculum we set out to broaden our students’ horizons and open our students’ eyes to the wonder, beauty, power, dynamism and diversity of our planet; and we expect them to reflect on their own sense of place and place in the world.

We set out to convey the relevance, significance and topicality of Geography to our students’ lives and the lives of people they will never meet; and we expect them to develop a concern for the local and global environment and empathy with people around the world.

We set out to spark our students’ curiosity about the world around them; and we expect them to critically question and systematically investigate, becoming increasingly confident about researching their own questions.

We set out to challenge our students’ thinking and attitudes; and we expect them to develop their own views and values about issues that affect our changing world and be able to make informed decisions.

We set out to instil in our students the importance of knowledge and understanding of people and places, patterns and processes, challenges and change; and we expect them to pursue their learning with purpose and commitment in order to achieve excellence, accuracy and rigour.

We set out to prepare our students for their future by helping them to develop a broad array of skills and enabling them to be effective lifelong learners; and we expect them to take a positive approach to creating a fulfilling future for themselves and a sustainable future for our world.

During Years 7 to 9 students are taught a variety of key geography skills, including the use of atlases and maps and research using the library and the Internet. Geography is a topical and contemporary subject and students are encouraged to broaden their knowledge of and enthusiasm for Geography by taking time to read newspapers and developing their interest in current affairs. More details of the topics studied at KS3 can be found in the curriculum booklet below.

Year

Core concepts

Topics

7

Place, space and scale

Moving on – migrationBritain in the worldGeography of chocolate

Map skills

Amazing places

8

Process and diversity

Tropical rainforestsKenya – on safariDesert environments

The rise of China –population and industry

Moor to sea – landscapes and rivers

Climate change and alternative futures

Crime and GIS

9

Interdependence and sustainability

Natural hazards and riskEarthquake activityWeather hazards

Managing resources

Year 11 students follow the AQA specification A. The course is divided up into six teaching units, covering a wide range of interesting topics.

Physical Geography topics studied are:

• Rocks, Resources and Scenery

• The coastal zone

• Restless earth (volcanoes and earthquakes)

Human Geography topics studied are:

• Changing urban environments

• Tourism

• Population change

Students study a mix of physical and human topics in year 10 and in year 11 and sit two 1 ½ hour exams at the end of year 11. At the start of year 11, students begin their controlled assessment task which is based on a local fieldwork investigation. The focus for this changes each year, but is likely to be based around the tourism or urban environments topic. The controlled assessment task is a written report worth 25% of the overall grade.

There is a strong emphasis on linking Geography with jobs and careers. Geography provides an excellent knowledge base from which to pursue many Post-16 courses. Transferrable skills, such as ICT and numeracy, are utilised on a regular basis. Literacy is a very strong feature and is our key to ensuring good results. In addition, subject-specific skills link with many aspects of the workplace.

We aim to provide a learning environment in which students can feel confident and positive about their abilities and enjoy their lessons. We do this by providing a variety of teaching/learning experiences and by careful monitoring of students. Students really enjoy learning Geography, and are very successful in the subject.

Year 10 students follow the new AQA (9-1) specification. The geography course is all about developing a better understanding of the world we live in. Topics of study are contemporary and relevant and include natural hazards, climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of meeting our needs for food, water and energy supplies. Students are encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

The course is divided into 3 units with an exam for each one:

Living with the physical environment – natural hazards; river and coastal environments in the UK; tropical rainforest and hot desert ecosystems.

Challenges in the human environment – urban issues in the UK and in low income countries; global variations in economic development and quality of life; management of food, water and energy resources.

Geographical applications – a critical thinking and problem solving task based on the physical and human themes above and questions focused on two fieldwork investigations completed during the course.

Year 13

Students follow the legacy AQA specification. The course is divided into four units across the two years.

AS

Unit 1: Physical and Human Geography

Rivers, floods and management

Coastal environments

Population change

Health issues

Examined through a 2 hour written exam in June with a mix of structured short and extended answers